Doctors I am thankful for the many doctors who have crossed our paths. Without Dr. Bove (Gabriel's heart surgeon) Gabriel's life would have been cut short. Now he has a healthy and strong heart. We have yet to have a doctor who sees Gabriel as a Down syndrome boy*. They all see Gabriel as a boy who happens to have Down syndrome. This is a very important difference.
* For those who don't know: People with disabilities are ~ first and foremost, people ~ people who have individual abilities, interests and needs. For the most part, they are ordinary individuals seeking to live ordinary lives. People with disabilities are moms, dads, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, friends, neighbors, coworkers, students and teachers. About 54 million Americans ~ one out of every five individuals ~ have a disability. Their contributions enrich our communities and society as they live, work and share their lives.
That being said we use person first language when referring to everyone. Gabriel is not a Down syndrome boy. He is a boy with Down syndrome. This note is not referring to anyone in particular, it is just making everyone aware.
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